Bernadette, or Bernie as she likes to be known, grew up in Kent in south east England, she has been living in the west of Ireland since 2002 and has been knowingly creating artworks since the age of 11.

Her home situation in her formative years, whilst being happy, was unencouraging artistically. None of her friends or family shared her love of art.

After years of living with the regretted decision of not to go to art college when she left school, Bernie eventually decided to go to college as a mature student to study for her longed for art degree. She has been a practising professional visual artist ever since.